(Ossining, NY, January 11, 2012) Mayor William R. Hanauer announced today that the Village of Ossining has selected Ingrid M. Richards as the new Manager of Downtown and Economic Development in the Village of Ossining following an extensive search which resulted in the consideration of several highly qualified candidates.

The Manager of Downtown and Economic Development is primarily responsible for the identification, development and implementation of a program designed to attract commercial and retail business to the Village, as well as to promote and foster the success and expansion of the Village’s existing businesses.The position was created by the Village Board of Trustees, following unanimous approval by the Downtown Development Committee.The Village Board felt that Ossining’s downtown and overall economic development would be well served by the designation of one person whose job would be dedicated to work with incoming and existing businesses in furtherance of their success.Mayor Hanauer stated, “The Village Board felt strongly that, as the economy recovers, the time is right to turn even greater attention to bringing new business and residents into the Village, focusing on the downtown.Ms. Richards’ experience, her knowledge of the Village and positive relations with the community, as well as her involvement in Westchester County make her very well suited for this new position.With her appointment, the Village is letting it be known loud and clear that Ossining is indeed open for business and ready to focus on welcoming new business and working with our existing businesses to insure their success.”

Ms. Richards has a wealth of experience serving municipalities, having served the Village of Briarcliff Manor in many capacities, including as Village Manager, as well as in the Village of Rye Brook, and most recently as Acting Assistant Village Manager in the Village of Ossining.She graduated from Pace University, and received a Masters in Public Administration from Pace.Ingrid is a Board Member of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam, is a past President of the Municipal Administrators Association of Greater New York, and currently serves the Town of Ossining as Chair of the Citizens Finance Committee and as a member of the Town Zoning Board of Appeals.She stated, “I look forward to working with the Village Board and administration and the business community and residents, as well as those looking at Ossining for the first time to assist in the development of the vision for and energetically pursue the continuing transformation and improvement of the downtown business district and economic environment.”

The position of Downtown Manager is being funded through monies specifically set aside by Village developers to be used to augment the Village’s downtown and is not being funded through real estate taxes.For further information, please contact the Village of Ossining Village Manager’s Office, 941-3554.